Farnborough, UK. 16 July 2022. India’s global defence and homeland security solutions conglomerate MKU , has unveiled its optronic device Netro NB-3100 Aviation Night Vision Goggles recently, which uses advanced optics and Generation III sensors that deliver high resolution, stereoscopic vision to helicopter pilots to enable them to navigate and maneuver effectively at night.
Prachi Gupta, CEO of Netro Optronics at MKU Ltd, feels that Netro NB-3100 Aviation Night Vision Goggles with Cockpit Modification Systems is a game-changing optronic solution equips helicopter pilots to carry out challenging operations at night that involve flying over tough terrains, low altitude flying, performing unstructured landings and takeoff, with enhanced situational awareness and ease.
“Vision, that we take for granted in daily life, can become a precious commodity in combat situations,” says Gupta. “It can mean the difference between victory and defeat, life and death. MKU’s optronic solutions have been developed after listening to the problems of the modern soldier and simulating real-time challenges that they face so our solutions render maximum efficiency.
The Netro NB-3100 Aviation Night Vision Goggles are designed to equips helicopter pilots to carry out challenging operations at night that involve flying over tough terrains, low altitude flying, performing unstructured landings and takeoff, with enhanced situational awareness and ease.
The smart night vision device is powered by a Gen III Image Intensifier Sensor for excellent low light performance. Along with this, MKU has introduced custom cockpit modification solutions that control and convert the lighting system in cockpits, as well as cargo and passenger areas, making them compatible for use with the Aviation Night Vision Goggles (or ANVG). This includes:
- ANVG compatible lighting for instrument panel, sub‑panel and overhead panel
- NVG (Night Vision Goggles) compatible floodlights
- NVG compatible LED lamp substitutes
The Aviation Night Vision Goggles are ideal for use in recce and rescue missions. “This solution is emblematic of MKU’s ‘smart trinity’ that is made up of functionality, technology and design,” says Ms Gupta.
MKU GmbH, Germany, is committed to defence and security solutions in Europe and UK with a reach in over 22 countries in the region. They have provided hard armour plates and ballistic helmets to the UK Police, ballistic body armour to the Spanish Army and Estonian police force, ballistic shields to Norwegian and Swedish police forces and ballistic armour plates to the Spain border police.
MKU has armoured helicopters, naval frigates and army containers for the German Army as well. Their armouring solutions for German Army containers in the past have helped the army safeguard themselves from severe firing by terrorists. The company also has a long term cooperation and development agreement with the French major Thales, for the co-development and marketing of optronic devices.
With operations spread across India (HQ), UAE and Germany, MKU has provided protection to over 3 million soldiers and 3000+ platforms till date. With over 5 manufacturing facilities, a dedicated team of 500+ individuals and an in-house R&D Centre recognised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, India.
MKU manufacturing facilityWhen asked about expanding MKU’s business in the UK, Gupta quoted, “We are investing heavily and consistently into R&D efforts and will leave no stone unturned to understand the real-time challenges of British heroes, so we can empower them with confidence in the line of duty”.
Gupta, who graduated with a BE degree (Systems Engineering) from the University of Warwick, UK, has been with MKU for more than 9 years, during which time she introduced the company’s optronics division. In this position she has led the company on a major growth trajectory, opening new horizons for defence technology around the world. In keeping with MKU’s motto, she believes in developing efficient soldier and platform optronic systems that ‘empower heroes’.
